Super Hetrodyne Radio Receiver Explanation - End To End!
Added 2024-10-16 23:41:22 +0000 UTCAn easy to understand description of how a radio works. This video is a compliment to video #113, but using every day equipment, with a "more honed" easier to understand explanation. See the whole signal chain right to the audio amplifier do its thing. For a complete explanation of every capacitor, every resistor, and every inductor (coil) in this receiver, leave your comment below or tap the heart symbol.
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Comments
Hi Paul, can you tell us why the IF transformers are in metal cans? I presume they're acting as Faraday cages to keep external rf from "contaminating" the IF signal? Also, I've seen IF transformers that have clips to hold them against the chassis. I presume this is just for physical stability so that the can doesn't fall off?
Larry W Jones Jr
2025-05-08 14:55:11 +0000 UTCThanks for another great video. I would appreciate a new video explaining each component in detail. I don't know if you have considered a series of videos in which a receiver is built from scratch, where the whole process is detailed, from design, selection of components, checks, etc. This would help a lot to understand and consolidate all the concepts.
Ricardo SP
2025-01-06 02:03:07 +0000 UTCHi Paul, great detailed explanation. I would also like to see the entire radio described in detail. Thank you so much. G1XDA
Terry
2025-01-05 08:47:40 +0000 UTCGreat explanation Paul. I would benefit from your explanations of component function on the entire underside of that receiver...and a little more expansion on why/how loop antennas on the German cars were the choice to hear the oscillators weak signal. Did they incorporate some kind of received signal amplification in that loop configuration? Was there any way that the listener of that radio could have blocked, shielded, or otherwise prevented the oscillators RF from escaping the receiver (to avoid detection)? Thanks, Joe
Joey A. Ferguson
2025-01-02 18:38:05 +0000 UTCLooking forward to the class on resistors and caps.
Jared Kusner
2024-12-10 01:20:59 +0000 UTCMore explanations? Yes please !
Scott Pitman
2024-12-05 06:47:42 +0000 UTCVery effective teaching method to show the IF output in real time with and without modulation. Bravo.
TR
2024-11-18 00:18:53 +0000 UTCthank you Ragner . I replaced the transistor and it works. thank you for your reply and information regarding this matter. take care . 73s
420 honolulu
2024-10-31 16:44:10 +0000 UTCI would also add, yes check all components around the culprit area and stages before and after it. Lots of things can result in an avalanche of faults.... And when u find new culprits, same procedure again. If you are lucky, is only the transistors thats faulty.
Ragnar Elstad
2024-10-31 13:03:25 +0000 UTCThank you very much Paul for this detailed explanation. I am a radio amateur myself, LA7DSA :), so i would very much like a detailed explanation of the whole radio and and how every stage of it works and interacts on each other, mixers, modulators and demodulators, of the different mods as well. My dream is to be able to make my own multiband, multimod, transceiver one day, but i'm far from there yet :) Even if i have it all in print how it all works, to have it explained and visualized like you do, would have a big impact of my understanding of it all. Reading and learning all this complex stuff is really hard to keep it all together as a whole in my head, i wonder if its to small.... :D I do not have the tubes like you do, so even if it may be easier to understand the practical side of it all, i think modern circuits is easier to read. But that might be just me :)
Ragnar Elstad
2024-10-31 12:15:19 +0000 UTCGreat explanation, very intuitive! Id also very much love to see a video with a further breakdown of what each component, Cap, resistor and inductor contributes to the function of a radio. Thanks Mr. C!
Andy Reynolds
2024-10-30 09:31:26 +0000 UTCGreat explanation video. Please do more videos showing the other components. Thank you.
Paul Walker
2024-10-29 12:30:53 +0000 UTCQuery Sir. Why was 455/456 Freq chosen? Also I have many vintage receivers, and vintage transmitters. I would like to donate a couple to you as a gift????
Skip A Apple
2024-10-29 00:02:37 +0000 UTCYes, I would like to know more about how and what each component does
James E Bowen
2024-10-28 06:50:51 +0000 UTCThank you Paul.. this is a great video. Please make a series on the passive components in the receiver. Would love to learn more as well!
Scott Gilbert
2024-10-25 03:32:56 +0000 UTCYes please Paul, would love to see further videos on the components. Thanks.
Anthony Ryder
2024-10-23 21:21:22 +0000 UTCI would very much like to learn more about the additional components. Thanks this is wonderful!
Kiara Cay Brandt
2024-10-23 16:41:22 +0000 UTCIndividual component function within a circuit is very much something that I’d be interested to learn more about, I feel like there’s a shortage of that, even in Books.
Ben Lindvall
2024-10-23 13:18:47 +0000 UTCYes please Paul, go through all components and please show the signal path end to end. thank you
Al French
2024-10-23 12:33:42 +0000 UTCGreat explanation, Paul. So would I be correct in saying that the IF frequency is the resulting ‘beat’ frequency produced in the mixer tube from combining the tuned antenna frequency and the oscillator frequency?
Richard Page
2024-10-22 20:17:48 +0000 UTCYes go through all components and please show the signal wire routes for the signals from antenna to speaker please
John E Barron III
2024-10-22 20:07:52 +0000 UTCMore Please! This was GREAT!
Jason Bryant
2024-10-22 18:10:21 +0000 UTCHi Paul, I enjoyed your radio receiver explanation but was left wondering where the terms “super” and “hetrodyne” come from
Timothy Gregerson
2024-10-22 16:20:09 +0000 UTCYes, please provide a component by component explanation. Also, if possible, what aspect of the circuit design determines the frequency range being received? For example, what change would be required to make this receiver a 160 meter ham band receiver instead of a MW broadcast band receiver? Thank you.
Ron M
2024-10-21 20:09:26 +0000 UTCPlease go thru everything. Thanks Paul!
Jacques
2024-10-21 20:06:58 +0000 UTCThank you. Very helpful. Please go through the radio component by component. The repetition and increased detail really helps with understanding.
Eric Fox
2024-10-21 13:53:13 +0000 UTCI second that..
bubba miller
2024-10-21 13:06:16 +0000 UTCI second that...
bubba miller
2024-10-21 13:05:59 +0000 UTCPaul you briefly mentioned FM. That I would be interested in Thanks.
Edward Przychodzki
2024-10-21 02:51:42 +0000 UTCExplain the detector.
Mitchell Tyson
2024-10-21 01:17:12 +0000 UTCA great video and it would be very interesting to go through what each component actually does.
Stuart Morris
2024-10-20 12:54:41 +0000 UTCyes, please explain the parts and their function... Thanks so much!
Bart H
2024-10-20 00:39:09 +0000 UTCabsolutely explain the discrete components and there functions, and the effects if they were changed to a higher or lower value !!!
tim hamilton
2024-10-19 23:02:11 +0000 UTCHi, Paul. Enjoyed this video and your explanation of how AM works. FM is great for stereo, but I grew up with AM stations and if memory serves, back in the day, AM had what I would consider an embellished sound that I don't hear today. It wasn't stereo, but had an "earthy" sound when music was played by the DJ's. Anyhow, I like the way you present your videos but if I had one wish it would be where you sourced your parts to put together you projects and inventions because we don't have Heathkit anymore and folks like me don't know where to begin to look for the parts we need to complete the projects you so graciously shared with us but if we know where to look, we could get the parts and build, Anyhow, thanks for your videos and the time you put into making them. What you have to say, is worth learning.
Dennis Ochterski
2024-10-19 18:28:15 +0000 UTCthank you Brent Horn . will check it out . take care 73s
420 honolulu
2024-10-19 15:52:56 +0000 UTC420 Honolulu, Mr. Carlson’s Lab has an electronics forum, if you Google it. There’s a very good chance your question will get more views, and an answer there, as it will probably get buried in the comments of an unrelated video here. Hope that helps, and you get an answer soon!
Brent Horn
2024-10-19 13:33:44 +0000 UTCNice explanation but I'd love to see it represented on one of those dual time base old TEK scopes!
Manuel Herrera
2024-10-19 08:23:13 +0000 UTCI would love to see videos of what each component is doing also!
Craig
2024-10-18 21:46:59 +0000 UTCMe too would like to see a video about the components and also I would like to know about Single Side Band.🤗
Leonardo
2024-10-18 20:12:47 +0000 UTCWould love to see a video of what each and every component is doing!
Gordon Beevers
2024-10-18 19:21:58 +0000 UTCIf you have time, a series on how the parts of the het receiver work would be great. You certainly explain it in a way that no one else can.
Brendan White
2024-10-18 18:38:46 +0000 UTCA self-built probe on a real-time frequency analyzer provides clear insights into the function of the signal path of several projects. I was almost shocked by the clear real-time spectrum that this device showed me during the restoration of historical measurement technology. Hence my special request: Would you publish this video with spectra of real-time frequency analyzers? I use similar measurement technology as in this video and can confirm what you have shown.
Martin Siebert
2024-10-18 17:48:55 +0000 UTCPart by part explanation would be nice! Maybe when you come back to this, you could also show reception of the mirror frequency? And: what is the reason why most receivers use a *higher* oscillator frequency? You said Hammarlund uses a lower oscillator frequency. I would think a lower frequency might be easier to handle, especially for the short wave bands. For the AM broadcast band I could imagine that it might be a problem if the oscillator runs lower and then at the IF frequency.
Helmut Heller
2024-10-18 15:42:45 +0000 UTCVery useful - I'm currently studying for my full UK Ham Radio licence. I would like to see a video or videos covering what each component does please. Thanks Mr Carlson!
Ian Thomson
2024-10-18 13:30:52 +0000 UTCI love it Paul! Each time you make one of these videos, I get a little firmer grip on all of this radio magic! Please make more!
JL Riley
2024-10-18 13:03:55 +0000 UTCHi Paul - a really great explanation! If I may make a small suggestion - perhaps a block diagram of the circuit stages to explain how the radio works at the beginning may simplify it even more, before going on to the details? Another awesome video though! 👍
Michael Brookes
2024-10-18 08:22:11 +0000 UTChello . I have a mega watt power supply that went dead. I checked the transistors 2sc2239 and one is bad . should I just replace that one and see what happens . or do I need to check other things ?
420 honolulu
2024-10-18 06:11:57 +0000 UTCGreat video, I look forward to another video explaining the roll of the other various components.
Glenn Kingdon
2024-10-18 00:22:03 +0000 UTCGreat video, Paul. What a great way to simplify beat frequency.
Chad Dumas
2024-10-17 23:58:18 +0000 UTCVery educational, I would welcome additional presentations on a radio's inner working.
Donald Stevenson
2024-10-17 21:05:13 +0000 UTCYes please explain the components. Thanks Paul
Stanley Benoit
2024-10-17 20:29:30 +0000 UTCWhat a fantastic explanation Paul, thanks. Yes please for a further explanation of what's going on in the radio.
Graham Brown
2024-10-17 19:51:30 +0000 UTCNow this is going to sound goofy. But one of the things they taught us in Tech school was how to "guestimate" the voltages you would expect on each element of each tube in the radio. Such as, if the grid of the oscillator is not negative, it probably isn't working. I like the full up component function idea. Neat Idea.
Leonard Peters
2024-10-17 19:28:53 +0000 UTCThanks Paul, would love to see full explanation of components
TERENCE SWEENEY
2024-10-17 18:56:01 +0000 UTCSplendid explanation of the super het receiver, Paul! Yes, I would like to see the whole presentation.
David Gierke
2024-10-17 18:32:43 +0000 UTCGreat video Paul! Excellent easy to understand explanations of Heterodyne & IF concepts. Would love to see a more end to end in-depth video explaining the functions of the circuit components of the different stages.
George Spatta
2024-10-17 17:54:31 +0000 UTCReally a great video! Please expand detail for all components.
Rob
2024-10-17 16:35:12 +0000 UTCI would love to see the full explanation!
Circuitmike
2024-10-17 15:17:35 +0000 UTCYes I would like to know how the other components work in the circuit.
Richard Dupree
2024-10-17 15:08:37 +0000 UTCGreat continuation video. If you could ever find some extra time, a breakdown of the capacitors and resistors would be awesome. Thanks for all the hard work.
gregory carolan
2024-10-17 14:49:58 +0000 UTCDefinite Yes for the full explanation on the caps and resistors. thanks
Dave Bowersox
2024-10-17 14:49:31 +0000 UTCComponent explanations would be fantastic Paul!
Eric Tinsley
2024-10-17 14:36:04 +0000 UTCAnother great video! I, too, would love to see video(s) explaining each component of this radio. Thanks!
Steven
2024-10-17 12:29:47 +0000 UTCThank you Paul for all of your time you are spending teaching us from your knowledge. I really like to your videos and really enjoyed them. I appreciate it.
Avi Shaouat
2024-10-17 12:15:16 +0000 UTCFull explanation please! Thanks for what you do.
Dave Smith
2024-10-17 12:04:32 +0000 UTCPaul this was a great high level summary for me! I too would love to see the component by component explanation! Though I come from a space where I'm not even sure whether hetrodyne / super hetrodyne designs are still in use, (to exemplify my very novice level of electronics theory,) I was able to pretty fully understand all of what you touched on in this video. The way you explained mixing and IF REALLY took care of what was before both a mystery and incorrect understanding on my part!
Shawn Sauerwine
2024-10-17 11:21:02 +0000 UTCAnother yes on what each component does in each section of the radio. Thans!
Dave Smith
2024-10-17 11:17:20 +0000 UTCThank you so much Paul as always. Yes, I would love to see your detailed video as well.
Clint Allsopp
2024-10-17 08:17:36 +0000 UTCThat was the first time in my (70) life I really got to understand what is happening in a radio, thank you so much. Saw it 2 times now and yes, my mind is hungry to more. I always tried to turn the small adjustable small boxes in a transistor radio ( no idea what they are....) to improve the reception. No clue what I was doing, but it always helps to get a better signal. Would love to see and know what I was doing, haha.
Ronald Cobet
2024-10-17 07:03:56 +0000 UTCI will try to remember to answer this in a future video.
Mr Carlson's Lab
2024-10-17 06:35:25 +0000 UTCI would love to know in more detail how these radios work. The more knowledge you can pass on the better. Much appreciated.
Dale Trotter
2024-10-17 03:59:40 +0000 UTCA full explanation of all the caps and resistors and such would be awesome to see as I think it would benefit a lot of us! Thank You Paul!
Bob Sheldon Sr - KC9ITB
2024-10-17 03:27:40 +0000 UTCDetailed explanation please. I like how you explain it, and maybe you could add some “differences” between tube and transistor radio? Thank you very much for your work!
Tomáš Hrabě
2024-10-17 03:16:30 +0000 UTCI’d appreciate a detailed explanation, stage by stage, from RX to TX— a series of videos
Doug Leber
2024-10-17 03:03:07 +0000 UTCI would love to see a detailed explanation of each component in this circuit! Excellent video as always.
Bill Hanks
2024-10-17 01:45:37 +0000 UTCGood video, i am still looking for a video showing where one section of a radio starts and ends
William coleson
2024-10-17 01:40:34 +0000 UTCI do have a question. The mixer signal is connected to which grid (screen or suppressor)? Also how does connecting an oscillator signal to a screen or suppressor grid, cause it to be added/subtracted to the signal from the cathode whose output is being is being controlled by the control grid? I guess in short, how dose the control grid and the mixer grid (ie screen or suppressor grid) play with each other?
Bill Hall
2024-10-17 01:38:22 +0000 UTCI would love to know what each cap, resistor & inductor does in that radio, this was a fantastic introduction so thank you. I’d like to track down the schematic to follow along too. Signal tracing for a radio & what voltages to look for & where would be most helpful and appreciated!
Jason
2024-10-17 01:29:59 +0000 UTCI would enjoy further explanations of ALL of the elements of a superheterodyne receiver!
Gerald Parker
2024-10-17 01:22:40 +0000 UTCPlease do a video on the purpose of each resistor and capacitor!!!! That would be a video one would not be able to find anywhere else and would be bonification for understanding repairing these radios!
Bill Hall
2024-10-17 01:21:50 +0000 UTCI would enjoy a full explanation.
Roy D Mercer
2024-10-17 01:07:54 +0000 UTCGreat video!!!! I would like to see more finer detail as you suggested. I would also like to see you follow the audio out. How does the rectifier remove the carrier?
Allen Levin
2024-10-17 00:51:48 +0000 UTCNice concise explanation. I would benefit by a future discussion of each component and its function. The many layers of description makes everything more clear. Thanks Paul.
Sheldon Butler
2024-10-17 00:39:24 +0000 UTCIm thinking, since I pulled the receiver out of the cabinet, I may make that eye tube into a true dual sensitivity meter, the upper shadow for weak signals and the lower shadow for strong signals, "or vice versa." Thanks for your comment Kenny.
Mr Carlson's Lab
2024-10-17 00:34:58 +0000 UTCAbsolutely want to see more
Gloria Jill Sydor
2024-10-17 00:21:56 +0000 UTCI think that would be very interesting to see the purpose of all the components in the radio receiver chain.
RS Electron
2024-10-17 00:18:49 +0000 UTCI liked the original video you did on this radio On YouTube, that was cool when you added the tube for the signal indicator I’m excited about the grand receiver restoration A total explanation video would be a great idea I enjoyed the video ! Thanks Mr. Carlson!
Kenny Fidler
2024-10-17 00:13:05 +0000 UTC
